Enemies

Hezbollah

Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite Islamist militant group and political party designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. and many Western nations, committed to the destruction of Israel and opposing Western influence in the Middle East.

Hezbollah
Founded
June 6, 1982
Budget
$200M–$700M+ annually (via Iran)
Leader
Naim Qassem
Alive

Key Facts

  • •Founded in 1982 in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following Israel's invasion of Lebanon.
  • •Designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department since October 1997.
  • •Primary state sponsor is Iran, which provides an estimated $200M–$700M+ per year in funding, weapons, and training.
  • •Before October 7, 2023, amassed a stockpile of an estimated 150,000+ rockets and missiles capable of striking all major Israeli cities.
  • •Operates simultaneously as a political party, armed militia, and social services provider in Lebanon.
  • •Its stated goal is to establish an Islamic government across the Arab world and "liberate" Jerusalem and the State of Israel.
  • •Receives additional funding through Lebanese diaspora networks in Africa, Latin America, and Shiite communities worldwide.
  • •The Lebanese cabinet approved a disarmament roadmap (Homeland Shield Plan) in September 2025.

Overview

Hezbollah ("Party of God") is a radical Shiite Islamist group based in Lebanon, founded in 1982 with direct support from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It operates simultaneously as a terrorist organization, a political party with seats in the Lebanese parliament, and a provider of social services to Lebanon's Shiite population. The United States designated Hezbollah a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in October 1997.

Origins and Founding

Hezbollah's origins are rooted in the 1979 Iranian Revolution and Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon to dismantle the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Iran dispatched approximately 1,500 IRGC members to Lebanon's Bekaa Valley to train and consolidate disparate Shiite militant factions — including disaffected members of the Amal movement — under one umbrella organization. The group formally announced its existence in its 1985 Open Letter, declaring its goals of establishing Islamic governance and eliminating Israel.

Leadership

Naim Qassem (Secretary-General, October 2024–present): A 71-year-old cleric who served as deputy leader for 34 years. Selected after Nasrallah's death.

Hassan Nasrallah (Secretary-General, 1992–2024): Led Hezbollah for 32 years; killed by Israel in September 2024.

Funding and Finance

Iran is Hezbollah's primary financier, providing an estimated $200 million to over $700 million annually — not including direct military assistance. Former Secretary-General Nasrallah openly stated in June 2016: "We say openly that our funds come directly from Iran. As long as Iran has money, so will Hezbollah." Additional revenue comes from Lebanese Shiite diaspora communities in Africa and Latin America, as well as from drug smuggling operations and front businesses.

Military Capabilities

Prior to Israel's 2024 military campaign, Hezbollah had amassed one of the largest non-state missile arsenals in the world — over 150,000 rockets — capable of striking every major Israeli city. The 2024 campaign significantly degraded Hezbollah's military leadership, communications infrastructure, and arsenal, though the group continues to attempt to rebuild.

Ideology

Hezbollah follows the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (rule of the Islamic jurist), as established by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. It does not recognize Israel's right to exist, views the United States as a primary enemy, and seeks the "liberation" of Jerusalem and the entirety of present-day Israel.

Recent Developments (2024–2026)

September 2024: Israel killed Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut.

October 2024: Naim Qassem selected as new Secretary-General.

September 2025: Lebanese cabinet approved the Homeland Shield Plan — a roadmap for disarming all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah.

2026: Hezbollah launched retaliatory strikes at Israel following a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Designations

Hezbollah is designated a terrorist organization by the United States (since 1997), the United Kingdom, the European Union (military wing), Canada, Australia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.